Business Details
38 Years
experience
Outdoor Childcare Excellence in Cheshire
Ashton House Nursery has been a family-owned and operated childcare provider since 1988, driven by a passion for outdoor learning. Our philosophy centres on connecting children with nature through daily outdoor exploration, fostering resilience, self-belief, and character development. With two Cheshire-based sites in Ashton Hayes and Frodsham, we offer extensive natural environments where children thrive through hands-on experiences. Our Forest School sessions, integrated into daily life, promote holistic growth aligned with the six Forest School principles. We prioritise qualified, dedicated staff who embody our ethos, creating a nurturing space for children to build lifelong positive memories.Our approach extends to healthy eating programmes informed by Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, ensuring balanced nutrition. Holiday Club provision caters to school-aged children, maintaining our commitment to adventurous, nature-focused learning year-round. The business was founded by Margaret Sheppard, with current leadership provided by her children Jack and Anna, who continue the family tradition of outdoor childcare excellence.
Services
Forest School
Holiday Club
Bike Riding
Healthy Eating
Outdoor Learning
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1988 with generational childcare expertise
- Daily outdoor learning in extensive natural environments
- Forest School sessions develop essential life skills
- Highly qualified and dedicated staff team
- Nutritionist-approved menus following EYFS guidelines
What people say
Love of nature
Confident children
Amazing activities
Best quality food
Positive memories
Services
Forest School
Our Forest School programme delivers authentic outdoor learning experiences in natural woodlands. Children develop resilience and confidence through hands-on activities that promote holistic growth. This approach nurtures essential life skills while fostering a deep connection to nature.
Holiday Club
Holiday Club provides engaging outdoor activities for primary school children during school breaks. Each day features unique experiences that maintain our nature-focused learning approach. The programme ensures continuity of care while offering exciting new challenges for older children.
Bike Riding
Our bike riding programme develops balance and coordination through balance bike training. Children gain confidence in a safe environment with staff support, progressing naturally to pedal bikes without stabilisers through practical experience.
Healthy Eating
Nutritionist-designed menus follow Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines to ensure balanced meals. Fresh local produce supports healthy eating habits while introducing children to diverse flavours and food experiences.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor exploration forms the core of our educational approach. Children engage with natural environments to develop physical skills, creativity, and environmental awareness through self-directed play and guided activities.
People
Margaret Sheppard
Founder
Founded Ashton House Nursery in 1988, inspired by her family's outdoor childhood experiences. Her vision for nature-based childcare continues to shape the nursery's philosophy today.
Jack Sheppard
Co-Owner
Co-owns the nursery with sister Anna, continuing their mother's legacy. Brings personal experience of outdoor childhood development from growing up at the Ashton Hayes site.
Anna Sheppard
Co-Owner
Co-owns the nursery with brother Jack. Contributes expertise in maintaining the family's outdoor childcare ethos while managing daily operations across both nursery locations.
Mandy Jourdan
Nursery Manager
Manages the Ashton Hayes location, overseeing staff and operations. Ensures implementation of the nursery's outdoor learning philosophy while maintaining high childcare standards.
Stacey Campbell
Nursery Manager
Manages the Frodsham location, leading staff in delivering nature-based childcare. Maintains consistency with the nursery's core philosophy while adapting to local requirements.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children from babies through primary school age, with specific Holiday Club provision for 4-11 year olds.
What outdoor facilities do you offer?
Both sites feature extensive natural environments including woodlands for Forest School, bike tracks, and challenging play areas with natural elements.
How do you support healthy eating?
Nutritionist-approved menus follow EYFS guidelines, using fresh local produce delivered daily to ensure balanced meals and positive eating habits.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
We employ many highly qualified childcare professionals who embody our outdoor learning ethos, with ongoing training to maintain our unique approach.
Do you offer holiday provision?
Our Holiday Club runs during school breaks at Ashton Hayes, offering daily adventures for primary school children in our natural outdoor environment.
How do you approach risk in outdoor play?
Controlled risk-taking is integral to our philosophy, helping children develop resilience and confidence through supervised exploration of natural challenges.
